Will the Bears Franchise Tag Jaylon Johnson, PFF's Top Cornerback of 2023?

Former Utah standout and current Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson completely revamped his game for the 2023 NFL season.

Coming off the fourth year of his young NFL career, the Bears star established himself as one of the most complete corners in the league, making a nearly 30-point jump in PFF grade from a season prior: from 62.9 to 90.8.

Moreover, Johnson’s PFF grade of 90.8 marked the highest grade for a cornerback in 2023. The former Ute was the only player at his position to achieve a grade over 90, with PFF’s second highest-graded cornerback being the Cowboys' Daron Bland (89.5).

His breakout season, which included a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles, and 10 pass breakups, could not have come at a better time.

The 2023 season marked the last year of Johnson's four-year rookie deal. Now a free agent, the 2020 second-round draft pick is slated to receive a historic contract. The question is, if this contract will be an extension with Chicago or a new contract elsewhere?

Johnson has previously stated his desire to stay in The Windy City:

"Heart's definitely in Chicago, mind's definitely on the money," Johnson told reporters at Pro Bowl practice in early February, "So, I mean, we'll figure out if we can make them both come together and get something done. I'm looking forward to seeing what's to come."

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has also expressed a similar confidence about Johnson staying in Chicago. Poles spoke to NBCSportsChicago.com in January about the situation:

“Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere and we’ll work through it to get something done. . . . “We have really good communication,” Poles said, “The big thing was just kind of take a break here after the season, and then we’ll start talks again. I feel really good about that situation.”

Hopefully, the Bears’ preliminary talks with Johnson have begun, because as of February 20th, the NFL’s franchise/transition tag window is officially open.

With the window now open, the Bears will have until March 5th to decide if they want to re-sign Johnson to a long-term deal or rather, franchise tag him for one season.

If the team chooses the latter option, a one-year franchise tag for a cornerback is expected to cost around $18.41 million according to Over The Cap. A franchise tag always pays the player in question the average of the top five salaries at his position.

If he continues playing at the level he did in 2023, Johnson is deserving of even more than what the franchise tag can offer. 

That being said, if Chicago does choose to tag Johnson it would be a temporary solution, simply extending the window for long-term extension talks between the former Ute and his current team.